Monthly Archives: November 2015

Stanford’s Conrad Ukropina (34) hits a 45-yard field goal as time expires to give Stanford a 38-36 win over Notre Dame during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

We’ll begin with the classic in Palo Alto, where, with apologies to Jim McKay, even “Touchdown Jesus” dropped his arms, over “the agony of defeat.”

With a skinny 30 seconds left on the clock, Notre Dame’s playoff application was close to being processed, as the Irish had just taken a 1-point lead over Stanford.

Stanford place kicker Conrad Ukropina (34) is lifted by fans and teammates after hitting a 45-yard field goal as time expired to give Stanford a 38-36 win over Notre Dame in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

But the Cardinal, who still harbor long-shot playoff dreams, had other plans.

Senior QB Kevin Hogan magnificently drove his team down the field, aided by a Irish face mask penalty, setting up the winning, no time left, 45-yard field goal by Conrad Ukropina for a stunning; 38-36 Stanford victory. WOW!!

It ended the Domers dreams of a playoff invite, in a year that was Brian Kelly’s best coaching job.

In the Iron Bowl, it was the Derrick Henry show, as the Heisman front-runner ran the ball a school record 46 times, for 271 anvil pounding punishing yards, as Alabama defeated Auburn; 29-13.

The kid runs harder than the “Fugitive.”

The victory propels the Tide into the SEC Championship game where it will be a big favorite against Florida, and as long as it takes care of business, it punches its ticket in the New Year’s Eve playoff.

And Saint Nick gets one step closer to his chase of Bear’s record.

In Columbia, South Carolina, it was the Deshaun Watson show as the Clemson QB, also a strong Heisman contender, ran for three scores, and passed for one, as the undefeated Tigers knocked off a feisty bunch of Gamecocks; 37-32 remaining on track for a playoff invite.

Clemson is riding a streak of 15 in-a-row, and the last time that occurred for the Sons of Dabo, Harry Truman was occupying the Oval Office – 1947-49. AMAZING!! Good for Dabo.

In Norman, there is no doubt that; “Big Game Bob” is back!!

“To the victor, belongs the spoils,” said New York Senator William Marcy, and that was the “Cracker Jack” prize on the line in the “Bedlam Game” in Stillwater.

Not only was the Big 12 title up for grabs, but an invite as one of the four to the playoff, and with the precision of the Blue Angels, the Sooners cruised, routing Ok State; 58-23.

Another Heisman candidate, OU’s QB Baker Mayfield led the way throwing for a pair of touchdowns, and running for another as “Big Game’s” Boys are a serious threat to capture its first national championship since the millennium; 2000. “Sooner Boomer!!”

In Ann Arbor, Ohio State finally awoke from its Rip Van Winkle slumber dominating its arch-rival; “The School from the North,” a.k.a. Michigan; 42-13.

It was so ugly for the Maize and Blue faithful, that midway through the fourth quarter a mass exodus took place at the Big House, prompting a pal of mine, who is an Ohio State grad to text; “The Michigan fans are leaving early. The walk of shame never gets old.” Double Ouch!!

Les Miles Lives!!

In what was supposed to be his last game as the head man of LSU, his Tigers players carried him off the field like Caesar in triumph after it grinded a 19-7 victory over Texas A@M.

But lo and behold, the man with the highest winning percentage in the history of the Bayou Bengals; .775 was told after the game you are our head coach.

Miles’ response was classic Les’ “Magnificent.”

I know one thing, I would never want the Tigers athletic director Joe Alleva backing me up in an alley fight. Talk about spineless. He couldn’t have made a statement two weeks ago. WOW!!!

Rumor is, the man they wanted to replace Miles, FSU’s Jimbo Fisher, who has ties to LSU emphatically said; NO!!

Hail the Tar Heels!!

Yes Virginia, there is another sport played on the UNC campus.

North Carolina finished its regular season with its eleventh consecutive victory, a 45-34 victory over it rival N.C. State, and in doing so, it punched its ticket into the ACC Championship Game, where it will be a very dangerous opponent for the top rated Tigers of Clemson.

If only the Boys from Chapel Hill had a better defense – but they are capable of knocking off Clemson and causing quite a bit of chaos for the playoff committee.

Up at the Heights it was more of the same, but this time its coach, Steve Addazio is on the clock.

Mercifully, BC’s season ended with surprise another loss, its eighth straight, as the Eagles (3-9, 0-8) (yes, they didn’t win a single conference game) fell to an equally inept bunch of Syracuse Orangemen (4-8, 2-6); 20-17.

It was the final game in the tenure of the Cuse’s coach Scott Schafer, who is being terminated, which is a fate that Addazio will be facing unless his Eagles win at least six games next season.

Think about this: we’ll give BC a victory over next season’s 1AA cupcake, so Mr. A needs to scrape out 5 wins in his next eleven games to keep the $million-plus paycheck rolling in. What a country!!

Skipping around the country: nice win for UW’s coach Chris Petersen, as his bowl eligible Huskies, who weren’t expected to even sniff the postseason, will be bowling for the holidays. Good for him!!

Michigan State went out and made its second consecutive statement; crushing the hapless Lions of Penn State; 55-16 setting up what may be a classic Big Ten Championship game against undefeated Iowa, with the winner punching its ticket into the playoff.

Sparty’s coach Mark Dantonio is without a doubt, the most underrated coach in America as his Spartans have won 11 games in five of the last six seasons. WOW!!!

Finally we end the regular season with our pal, the gasbag of gasbags, our “Star-Kist” buddy Charlie Weis whose Kansas Jayhawks, the last team he “fixed,” ended a perfect season in reverse (0-12) by once again getting crushed, this time by the Wildcats of Kansas State; 45-14.

How bad are the Charlie Weisers? Well they haven’t won more than 3 games since 2009, and finished 123rd in scoring, and dead last in points allowed. DOUBLE OUCH!!

Even the Jayhawks mascot faked like he was vomiting in a barrel over its play!! Sorry Charlie!!

That’s it from cyberspace. We’ll be back Wednesday night with our analysis of the Conference Championship games. Until then, Peace, and listen to the music. PK

Central Florida (0-11) is one game away from a season of perfection in reverse. And while most alma-mater supporters would be bummed having to endure such ineptitude, the students

of CFU would love to see the Knights lose another dozen games.

The reason; a college student’s nirvana; free beer.

The idea originated at “The Basement Orlando,” a self-described dive restaurant and gathering place for Central Florida fans in the city of Disney.

The joint started it gratis offering when the Knights fell to 0-4, as a way to insure that its normally robust Saturday fan base continued to flow through its door.

The Basement said it goes through between seven to ten “grey ladies” a.k.a. free kegs of Coors Light of per game.

And when Central Florida falls behind by three or four touchdowns, the cheers get louder as chants of: “Free beer, free beer, free beer!” roll throughout the restaurant.

This weekend, let’s see which alums raise a frosted mug in celebration of another victory, and which, while crying in its beer, should charge its alma-mater a fee for impersonating a football team.

No. 8 Ohio State at No. 12 Michigan (Ch.5, Noon) In arguably the best rivalry in college football, the Sons of Woody Hayes, who will not be receiving a playoff invite, are looking to spark a new streak against “the team from the north.”

But with apologies to Robert Preston, “Is there trouble in River City?”

Last week some of the Buckeyes openly questioned Urban Meyer’s game plan against the Spartans.

This is the same coach whose team won 23 in-a-row, is the defending national champ, and captured 30 consecutive regular season games against Big Ten opponents. Really??!!

One of those inquisitors is tailback Ezekiel Elliott (1458 yds -16 TDs) the nation’s seventh leading rusher, who saw his Heisman chances dashed, but remains the main beam of an Ohio State offensive attack which has mysteriously operated in a Jeb Bush funk.

The most disappointing aspect of the Sons of Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (’55 Heisman) has been its stuttering (100th) aerial assault, which is as threatening as Althea Garrison in a Boston Election.

But the sizzle behind the “Boys from Columbus” is the nation’s second stingiest (14) D, anchored by ends Joey Bosa (15 TFLs), his partner Tyquan Lewis, (12.5 TFLs, 6 sacks), and backer Raekwon McMillan, which is harder to penetrate than the security detail of Vladimir Putin.

As far as the Ann Arbor faithful is concerned, Diogenes can rest his light, as Michigan has found its man.

Jim Harbaugh, the khaki wearing, spit-fire head man who comfortably lives on the edge, has delivered the goods, and the alums are certain (based on his paycheck), that he is the right man to restore Michigan to its perch of football royalty.

The Sons of Gerald Ford are led by its steady manager, QB Jake Rudock (16 TDs – 9 INTs-64%) with assists from a trio of receivers; Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, and the talented tight end Jake Butt. [Note: as we have said before; has there ever been a better name for a tight end?]

UM’s running attack featuring De’Veon Smith is as unassuming as a suit from Miltons.

But if the Meeechigaaan offense is as lackluster as the Christmas (hope I can write that word) lights on the Common, the Maize and Blue D is as festive and snazzy as Rockefeller Center on the first shopping weekend in December.

The nation’s second ranked eleven, and sixth stingiest (14), attacks with a bevy of disruptors led by backers Joe Bolden, Desmond Morgan, and safety Jabrill Peppers, who are equally efficient in snuffing the run and the pass.

In a game with major national implications, we think Bo incarnate gets his first notch against the visitors from Columbus, as the Harbaugh/Meyer rivalry gets underway.

No.5 Oklahoma at No.9 Oklahoma State (Ch.5, 8 p.m.) The “Bedlam Game” doesn’t get any more chaotic.

It will determine prestigious New Year’s Day bowl assignments, not to mention the champion of the Big 12.

And for the Sons of Barry Switzer, with apologies to Charles Dickens, the game is a tale of two quarterbacks.

If OU’s Heisman caliber QB Baker Mayfield (33 TDS-5 INTs-68%) who directs the nation’s third highest scoring eleven (44) is cleared to play (concussion), then it’s; “OOOOOKLahooma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.”

But if OU is forced to revert to plan B, namely its backup Trevor Knight, the Norman invaders will stumble on its shield. That’s how significant the Sooners leather-tough gun slinger is to its offensive machinations.

Assuming the “Air-Raid” bombardier is cleared to play (and all indications are that he will) he gets a huge assist from his ram-bam tailback pairing; Samaje Perine (ankle), and Joe Mixon, who have combined for; 1795 yards, and 18 TDs.

The Sooners’ maestro also has the added luxury of lasering onto a trio of sticky fingered targets: the dynamic Sterling Shepard, and his partners Dede Westbrook, and Neal Durron, who have combined for 151 receptions, 2267 yards, and 17 TDs.

On defense, the mercury-infused descendants of Lee Roy Selmon are anchored by its All-America backer Eric Striker (15.5 TFLs-7.5 sacks), along with linebacker Dominique Alexander, and end Charles Tapper (10 TFLs-7 sacks), and has been the backbone to the OU resurgence.

The stakes for the OkState Cowboys are higher than a Boone Pickens oil derrick.

The Pokes gallop as the nation’s seventh (42) highest scoring eleven, led by its two-headed QB dissector, starter Mason Rudolph (21 TDs-8 INTs-63%), and his comrade J.W. Walsh (11 TDs-0 INTs-79% – on a total of 29 throws, plus 11 rushing), making him the best backup since Truman was second fiddle to FDR.

The Cowboys running attack, featuring tailback Chris Carson, is a mucking 110th, and surfaces in Stillwater about as often as “Nessie” of Lock Ness.

But its receiving corps featuring James Washington, David Glidden, and Marcell Ateman, (133 grabs and 17 TDs) is as ubiquitous as a Saturday night T-bone in a Stillwater chop house.

And as the faithful are well aware money, and that includes the “magical” dough of Mr. Pickens, can’t shore up a colander D.

This group led by backer Jordan Burdon (7.5 TFLs), and end Emmanuel (16.5 TFLs-12 sacks) Ogbah, sinks to eighty-sixth overall.

If Mr. Mayfield is under center, (not to mention the Dorchester Street connection): “It’s Oklahoma, O.K.! As Big Game Bob states the Sooners case for a playoff invite.

A victory doesn’t guarantee the Irish a playoff invite, but it does place them deep into the committee’s late night discussions.

The Sons of Paul Horning directed by r-shirt freshman QB SeShone Kizer (18 Tds-9 INTs-64%) with assists from turbo-charged tailback Josh Adams (7 yds-a-pop), and touchdown creating receiver Will Fuller (20 yards a catch-12 TDs), won’t make a marquee on Broadway, but is as steady as a heavyweight eight grinding on the Charles.

The Domers D, led by backers Jaylon Smith, Joe Schmidt, and end Isaac Rochell is solid, but has shown some fissures slowing the run, which in not a winning recipe against Stanford.

The Sons of John Elway roar behind “Mr. Veg-O-Matic;” its Heisman contending tailback/receiver/kick returner Christian McCaffrey, who is second in the country in rushing (1545 yards), leads the team in receptions, and tops the nation in all-purpose yards, averaging a jaw-dropping 255 per game.

His pedigree can be traced to his father Stanford alum Ed, a former NFL standout receiver, who is soon to be known as; the dad of Christian.

The Boys on the Farm’s D, featuring backers Blake Martinez, Peter Kalambayi, and safety Kodi Whitfield displays some shakiness defending the pass which is something the Irish hope to exploit.

Late Saturday night, we think an exuberant Thanksgiving in South Bend turns sullen, as “Touchdown Jesus” lowers his arms just a wee bit.

No.23 Mississippi at No.19 Mississippi State (ESPN2, 7:15 p.m.) The Descendants of William Faulkner are hoping to write a new chapter in the 112th renewal of the Egg Bowl.

The Sons of Archie Manning, the nation’s twelfth (40) highest scoring squad, are under the direction of QB Chad Kelley (25 TDs-12 INTs-64%-9 rushing), whose leadership can be traced to his HOF uncle Jim, who thrived in the K-Gun for the Buffalo Bills.

The kid, who is tougher than a sleep deprived Black Friday shopper, is assisted by a quartet of receivers; Laquon Treadwell, Quincy Adeboyejo, Damore’ea Stringfellow, and Cody Core, who have combined for; 168 catches and 21 TDs.

And when the Rebels attempt to churn some ground, tailback Jaylen Walton is the principle road runner.

On D, the descendants of Jimmy Patton, featuring backer DeMarquis Gates, end Marquis Haynes (13 TFLS-8.5 sacks), and safety Mike Hilton, struggle mightily (99th) defending the pass, which is often a losing hand against Mississippi State.

In building a winning program in Starkville, coach Dan Mullin has performed a magic act not seen since Harry Houdini.

In a game that is hard to get a handle, we’ll stay with the Sons of Faulkner to write the latest winning chapter in Oxford.

No.22 UCLA at USC (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.) The seasons for the LA crosstown rivals began with the same heightened aspirations as the supporters of Jeb Bush.

But with seven losses between them, a season of promise has ended almost as drearily as another bombastic speech by Secretary of State John Kerry.

And yet despite those disappointments, there remains a large enchilada for the winner of the 85th rendition of this underrated rivalry, namely a spot in the Pac-12 championship game.

The Sons of Bob Waterfield who have won the City of Angels bragging rights three consecutive years, are gunning for four, behind its wunderchild t-freshman QB Josh Rosen (19 TDs-7 INTs-60%), who operates with the seasoned maturity of Robert E. Lee.

But the Bruins table setter is its All-America caliber tailback Paul Perkins (1180 yards-11 TDs), who pile drives a defense with the unrelenting intensity of; Cashman Dredging and Marine.

When UCLA takes to the smog filled skies, the rifle armed sharpshooter focuses on a pair of dynamic field stretchers Jordan Payton, and Thomas Duarte, who have combined for; 117 catches and 13 TDs.

But as the faithful are well aware, the D of the descendants of John Williams, led by backers Kenny Young, Jaylon Brown and end Kenny Clark (9 TFLs-5 sacks) has been as porous (83rd stopping the run) as the Greek border.

At USC, the Sons of Mike Garrett have had more job openings than Monster.

One need only look at the Trojan’s high cotton director, senior QB Cody Kessler (25 TDs-6 INTs-69%) who is playing for his fourth different head coach.

Despite the instability, there remains a puzzling inexplicable disconnect for the abundantly talented LA surfers.

The Men of Troy’s game breaker is its All-America wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster (10 TDs), who sits sixth in the nation averaging 110 yards per game.

On D, the descendants of Ron Howard led by backer Su’a Cravens (13.5 TFLs-5.5 sacks), corner Iman Marshall, and safety Chris Hawkins, have more holes defending the pass than a New York City bagel factory, which could get one “toasted’ against UCLA.

In a game in which a case can be made for both sides, we’ll take the kid from UCLA to add to his emerging legacy.

Last week: 3-2 Season record; 37-23

That’s it from cyber-space. We’ll be up and running with our recap by noon Sunday. Until then, Peace, and listen to the music. PK

Fireworks light up the sky at the conclusion of the Shamrock Series NCAA college football game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, in Boston Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 19-16. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The left field wall scoreboard on the “Green Monster” shows the final score at the conclusion of the Shamrock Series NCAA college football game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, in Boston Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 19-16. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

There are plenty of places of where to begin; East Lansing, Michigan, Norman, Oklahoma, Iowa City, Iowa, and Annapolis, Maryland, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Evanston, Illinois and Hanover, New Hampshire to name a few, but we’ll begin in quiet Storrs, Connecticut and the “Little Engine that Could,” otherwise known as the UConn Huskies football eleven.

On Senior Day coach Bob Diaco’s gritty crew behind a pair of back-up QB’s went out and shut down the high flying thirteenth and undefeated Cougars of Houston stunning the visitors: 20-17.

It was a field storming win for the faithful, and the victory ensures that the Huskies will be going bowling this holiday season.

It may also have been a program turning victory for UConn, who should make every effort to lock-up Diaco for the long term right now. Good for them.

On the home front the teammates; Buddy Teevens and Tim Murphy of Dartmouth and Harvard respectively shared, along with Penn, a piece of the Ivy League Title after yesterday’s victories.

It was the first time the title has resided in Hanover since Bill Clinton was finishing his first Monica free term 1996, while the “Green Bay Packers of the Charles” otherwise known as the Harvard Crimson won its third consecutive title, which is a school record.

Good for the Boys from Silver Lake.

On the national front; in Columbus, the visitors from East Lansing battling in the wind, sleet, and rain snuffed out the repeat national title hopes of the Buckeyes with a 41-yard game ending winning field goal; 17-14.

It was also the first regular season loss for Ohio State coach Urban Meyer in 31 regular season Big Ten games, and stopped its 23 game winning streak. WOW!!

Sparty’s coach Mark Dantonio, one of the nation’s best, relishes the powerful motivation of having his team chances instantly dismissed by the pundits.

And for this game, the Sons of Duffy Daugherty were saddled with a TD Vegas dose of disrespect.

“We sat around all day and listened to how we were the underdogs. I knew the score coming into the game,” said a bemused Dantonio who watched his Michigan State defense stifle the Bucks holding them to a jaw-dropping inept total of; 132 yards of offense.

AMAZING!!

And what’s even more mind boggling is that the Sons of Bubba Smith did it with a pair of backup quarterbacks on the road. WOW!!

In Baton Rouge, as Glen Frey wrote, “The Heat is on” as the shouts of; “Off with his head” are directed at its coach Les Miles, who saw his Bayou Bengals (7-3, 4-3) stumble once again, this time falling to the Rebels of Mississippi: 39-17.

It was the first time LSU has lost three in a row since the final year of Bill Clinton’s skirt chasing term – 1999.

And a big reason for the faithful’s angst can be traced to the last three-plus years of SEC play in which LSU is an unacceptable; 17-14. In the rabid confines of Death Valley, that is enough to earn any coach a pink slip.

Les we hardly knew ye!!

In Stillwater, the pain runs deep, as the Cowboys saw its hopes of a playoff invite evaporate into the cold night air losing to an inspired bunch of Baylor Bears; 45-35.

What makes this victory even more satisfying for the “Waco Wonders” was the play of its third string QB Chris Johnson, who was inserted in the second half due to an injury, who ran for one, and threw for two touchdowns in sealing the victory. WOW!!

Back on the home front in its “away” game at Fenway Park the Boston College Eagles (3-8, 0-7) took advantage of five Notre Dame turnovers and caused some consternation amongst the Irish zealots, before ultimately succumbing: 19-16.

It was the seventh consecutive loss for the “Boys from the Heights” and puts some considerable pressure on coach Steve Addazio, who is not a “Hail fellow, well met” kind of guy, especially amongst the BC Administration, for a significant turnaround next season.

Note; I’m sure the Jesuits were thrilled to see its head football coach mouth a “mother –f……” on national television over a penalty call. CLASS!!! REAL CLASS!!!

In the Home of Emily Dickinson, it was more of the same for the “Belles of Amherst” (2-9, 1-6) who fell to the equally inept visitors, the Redhawks (3-9, 2-6) of Miami; 20-13. YIKES!!

The Minutemen football program is bleeding money, and with its switch to independent status next season, which includes three SEC teams, and only two home games, the prognosis of the patient is; code black. OUCH!!!

To survive it must find a way to get into a league.

Looks like Steve Spurrier knew what he was doing when he called it quits halfway through the South Carolina season.

The reason; the Gamecocks (3-8), who thought this was going to be a cupcake fattening resume day, were shocked by the FCS Citadel Bulldogs; 23-22.

Ironically the last time the Cocks lost to a Division 1AA– 1990, it was the very same Citadel Bulldogs. Good for them!!

In Madison, the “smart-kids’ of Northwestern held on a goal line stand, to defeat the Badgers of Wisconsin; 13-7.

It was the ninth victory for the Fitz’s kids who in additional to going to class, have had an A+ season. Hail academia!!

And on the same theme its “Anchors Aweigh” as the Midshipmen of Navy, behind its stellar QB Keenan Reynolds crushed the Golden Hurricane of Tulsa; 44-21.

“We’ll hoist true Navy Blue.” Good for them, and who knows maybe a New Year’s Day bowl invite will be in the mail.

Finally we’ll close with our friend, the gasbags of gasbags, Charlie Weis our “Star-Kist” friend whose last program he fixed Kansas football fell to West Virginia 49-0. The Jayhawks arguable the nation’s worst (last scoring D, allowing a mind boggling 46 pts. a game, and fifth from bottom in scoring offense averaging 15 a game) is now a woeful 0-11. Sorry Charlie!!

That’s it from cyber-space. We’ll be up and running with our analysis of week 13 Wednesday night. Until then Peace, and listen to the music. PK

In light of the attacks in Paris, we begin this week by detouring from the world of football with a nod to France our nation’s oldest ally, with a slice of history, and a tip of the cap to; Marquis de Lafayette.

Born in 1757 the Frenchman of considerable means left France in 1777 and came to America to offer his considerable leadership abilities in the American Revolution.

Not quite 20 years old, he was immediately embraced by General Washington, and not long after, the Congress commissioned him a Major-General.

In fact Lafayette said he considered himself; “a citizen of two worlds.”

With the war still in the balance, the Marquis returned to France in 1779, to successfully argue the righteousness of the American cause.

The following year he returned to America bearing the good news of the French government’s promise of troops, ships, and financial support.

Eventually there would be 17,000 French volunteers fighting on the American side which helped turned the tide of the war that culminated with the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.

Washington looked upon the young Frenchman a son, and their relationship lasted until the President’s death.

Lafayette died in 1834, and he is buried in Paris at the Cimetiere de Picpus, where an American flag has stood watch over his grave since 1917.

It was amazingly undisturbed during WW II, and the flag is changed every year in an elaborate and solemn ceremony held quite appropriately on the Fourth of July.

This pre-Thanksgiving weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on the greatness of our country, and our unbreakable friendship with France.

And instead of arguing over wins and losses, let’s watch the games with a smile of democracy, which really angers the psychopathic butchers who refer to themselves as; ISIS.

No.9 Michigan State at No.2 Ohio State (Ch.5, 3:30 p.m.) Both of these teams would have stumped the “To Tell the Truth,” panel, as neither has sniffed its preseason expectations of dominance.

In East Lansing, the Sons of Bubba Smith are commanded by its senior field general QB Connor Cook (21 TDs-4 INTs-56% – shoulder expected to play) who operates with the same calming presence of French President Francois Hollande.

The quiet man is assisted by a trio of receivers; Aaron Burbridge, R.J. Shelton and Macgarrett Kings who have combined for; 131 receptions and 14 TDs.

But Sparty’s principle earth movers, L.J. Scott and Madre London have been as inspiring (92nd overall) as Barak Obama trying to rally the country.

On D, the descendants of Herb Adderley is sprinkled with star power; anchored by All-America end Shilique Calhoun (11 TFLs-8.5 sacks), and fellow backers Riley Bullough, and Darien Harris but remains as vulnerable defending the pass (86th) as a senior citizen is to a phone scam.

The Scarlet and Grey faithful are hoping that the “Rip Van Winkle’s” of Columbus, who are playing its first ranked team, will shake off its season long slumber in time for the Spartans.

The catalyst of the Sons of Eddie George is its All-America tailback, and Heisman candidate, Ezekiel Elliott (142 a game, 16 TDs), the nation’s third ranked rusher, who slices and dices the opposition better than a Veg-O-Matic, and is the key to the Sons of Woody Hayes repeating.

But as the zealots of Archie Griffin are painfully aware, the Bucs passing game, presently under the control of dual-threat QB J.T. Barrett (8 TDs-3 INTs -65%) with assists from wideouts Michael Thomas, and Braxton Miller (who has been mysteriously underutilized), has been about as efficient as the Jeb Bush campaign.

The backbone of the Boys from Columbus is the nation’s second stingiest (13) D.

These descendants of Randy Gradishar led by All-America end Joey Bosa (12 TFLS-3.5 sacks), and backers Raekwon McMillan, and Joshua Perry, sits ninth overall, and has smothered the opposition better than the “Boston Strangler.”

Urban Meyer has won a jaw-dropping 30 in-a-row regular season Big Ten games, make it 31, as Ohio State says “Goodbye Columbus” to the Sons of Duffy Daugherty.

No.10 Baylor at No.4 Oklahoma State (FOX, 7:30 p.m.) The Bears, who score points faster than a right hand from Holly Holm, are clawing to hang on.

The nation’s leading nearly point a minute (54) offense, is now (due to the loss of QB Seth Russell) under the capable control of freshman QB Jarrett Stidham (11 TDs-2 INTs-70%) who is tougher than John Wayne in; “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.”

Luckily the Waco Kid gets a third rail boost from the country’s most dynamic receiver, Corey Coleman, (a 20/20 man; 20 yards a catch, and 20 touchdowns), who leads the nation (136) in yards per game.

The young sharpshooter has a pair of additional dependable targets; K.D. Cannon, and Jay Lee, while starry tailback Shock Linwood (1149 yards – 7.4 yds.-9TDs) is a quiet assassin.

But the weakness, and possibly downfall for the Sons of Walter Abercrombie is a D, featuring backers Grant Campbell, Travon Blanchard, and end Jamal Palmer (11 TFLs -3.5 sacks) that is leaker (72nd) than a coal ash dam in Kentucky.

With apologies to Van Halen the Boys from Boone Pickens U also known as Oklahoma State, must be “Running with the devil” as it has twice survived a pair of 17-point deficits

In Greek Mythology Orthus was a two headed monster.

And that is exactly how the Pokes attack the opposition utilizing a QB pair of; Mason Rudolph (18 TDs-8 INTs – 64 %) and his starry backup J.W. Walsh (10 TDs-0 INTs -78% on only 28 throws) who has also rushed for 10 touchdowns, and would be welcomed as a starter on almost everyone’s roster.

The Stillwater amigos have a three-pack of quality targets; James Washington, David Glidden and Marcell Ateman, who have combined for; 118 receptions and 15 TDs.

The lethargic (94th) ground attack is handled by Chris Carson, and Rennie Childs.

The D of the Sons of Walt Garrison featuring safeties Jordan Sterns, Tre Flowers, and backer Jordan Burton struggles mightily against the pass (80th) which is the wrong recipe against visitors from Waco.

Is this the weekend that the OK State produces a dry well?

“YESSSSSSS,” as Mark Albert is wont to say, as the Bears sneak out with the W, extinguishing the Pokes playoff hopes.

Heisman candidate QB Trevone Boykin (29 TDs-9 INTs-65% ankle) is a game time decision, while his Linus blanket receiver Josh Doctson (wrist), 14 TDs-over 1300 yards, is out for the remainder of the season.

If Boykin is unable to go, or play up to his lofty standards, it will be long day in Norman for the nation’s fifth highest scoring (44) eleven, and the second best passing attack in the land.

And as the faithful are painfully aware, the Frogs, who have won 17 of its last 18, are also hamstrung by a D led by safeties Travin Howard, Derick Kindred, and Denzel Johnson (9 TFLS) who struggle mightily defending the pass which is not a winning recipe against the Sooners.

“Big Game Bob” is back, and the Sons of Bud Wilkerson are on the precipice of slicing its way into the playoff picture.

The key to the turnaround from last year’s disappointing 8-5 season has been the resurrection of the Air-Raid passing attack that Stoops relied upon to win his only national championship – 2000.

The Norman invaders, the country’s third highest (46) scoring squad, is directed by its fearless bombardier, QB Baker Mayfield (31 TDs-5 INTs -70%) who in his last five games has hung numbers (17 TDs-2 INTs-75%) that are gaudier than a New Orleans bordello.

The man who carves a defense better than a master chef on Thanksgiving, has a trio of game breaking targets: led by his All-America caliber wideout Sterling Sharp whose hands are stickier than Elmers.

The Sooners D anchored by its All- America backer Eric Striker (14 TFLs-7.5 sacks), with big assists from backer Dominique Alexander, and end Charles (9 TFLs-6 sacks) Tapper has improved more than the stock price of McDonald’s.

With apologies to Rodgers and Hammerstein, we repeat what we said last week; “It’s Oklahoma O.K.”

Harvard at Yale –The Game – (NBCSN, 2:30 p.m.) In the 132nd edition of this classic a share of the ivy League Title is riding on the outcome for the Sons of Dick Button.

“The Green Bay Packers of the Charles,” better known as Harvard Football have won 8 in a row, and 13 of the last 14 against its arch-rival, and a victory assures the “Veritas Boys” at least a piece of the title.

The twelfth highest scoring (36) eleven is directed by its gritty QB Scott Hosch (18 TDs-5 INTs-61%) who is tougher than a clerk for Alan Dershowitz.

The Ivy marksman is assisted by a trio of targets; wideout Justice Shelton-Mosley, and a pair of rumbling tight ends; Ben Braunecker, and Anthony Firkser, while tailback Paul Stanton (9 TDs) is the Crimson bell cow.

The D of the descendants of Charles Bulfinch is the nation’s third tightest (12), and stones runners behind a trio of backers; Jacob Lindsey, Matt Koran, and Eric Mendes, but has some susceptibility defending the pass.

In New Haven, the Sons of Byron “Whizzer” White would embrace the role of spoilers.

The erratic descendant of Brian Dowling is assisted by tailback Deshawn Salter (7 TDs), and a threesome of targets; Christopher Williams-Lopez, Michael Siragusa, and Robert Clemons.

On D, the forbearers of Eli Whitney led by corner Hayden Carlson, safety Matthew Oplinger, and backer Victor Egu slows the run, but is a bottom feeding 104th defending the pass which is not a winning formula against the visitors from Cambridge.

On late Saturday afternoon the full-throated sounds of “10,000 men of Harvard …..” will be heard emanating from the Yale Bowl’s visitors’ locker room.

No.20 Northwestern at No. 21 Wisconsin (BTN, 3:30 p.m.) With apologies to Bon Jovi, it seems like the “smart kids” have been “living on a prayer” all season.

The offense of the Sons of Otto Graham, which sinks to 109th overall, and 111th (21) in scoring, is as anemic as the polling numbers for Lindsey Graham.

The director of this jalopy is dual-threat QB Clayton Thorson (6 TDs-6 INTs – 52%) who, as the faithful are painfully aware, hits his target about as often as a soldier in the Iraqi Army.

When he does connect, wideouts Dan Vitale, and Christian Jones are the principle players, while tailback Justin Jackson (over 1000 yards) is the Cats John Deere mainstay.

But if the offense is a burger at Sullivan’s, the Wildcats D is a filet from Grill 23.

This “prime” time eleven, the nation’s twelfth stingiest (17), is anchored by backer Anthony Walker, safety Godwin Igwebike, and end Dean (12.5 TFLs) Lowry, and is deadlier than a hookup with Charlie Sheen in stopping the run and the pass.

In Madison, the Sons of Alan Ameche have run the ball like Don Ameche.

The Badgers signature ground attack featuring Taiwan Deal, and Dare Ogunbowale (who is also dangerous catching) slinks around as the nation’s 88th best, while Wiscy averages a mediocre 28 points a game. [Its starry earth mover Corey Clement – out most of the season sports hernia- may play.]

Senior QB Joel Stave (10 TDs-8 INTs-61%) is the driver of this gear-slipping bunch, with assists from a pair of solid receivers; Alex Erickson and Rob Wheelwright.

But if the offense needs a rewrite, Wiscy’s D, the country’s stingiest (12), is Broadway worthy.

These marquee makers led by its linebacker trio; Joe Schobert (9 sacks), T.J. Edwards, and Vince Biegel (10.5 TFLs -6 sacks) stones the run and the pass with equal disdain, and is more disruptive than Bernie Sanders at a Tea Party Convention.

We hate to go against the “smart kids” but Bon Jovi is sooo 20th century. As the Mad-Towners love to sing after a victory; “When you say Wissscoonsin, You’ve said it all!!

Last week; 3-2 Season record: 34-21.

That’s it from cyber-space. We’ll be up and running with our recap, Sunday at noon.

Bonjour mes amis! Viva la France!
In light of the attacks in Paris, we begin this week by detouring from the world of football with a nod to France our nation’s oldest ally, with a slice of history, and a tip of the cap to; Marquis de Lafayette.
Born in 1757 the Frenchman of considerable means left France in 1777 and came to America to offer his considerable leadership abilities in the American Revolution.
Not quite 20 years old, he was immediately embraced by General Washington, and not long after, the Congress commissioned him a Major-General.
In fact Lafayette said he considered himself; “a citizen of two worlds.”
With the war still in the balance, the Marquis returned to France in 1779, to successfully argue the righteousness of the American cause.
The following year he returned to America bearing the good news of the French government’s promise of troops, ships, and financial support.
Eventually there would be 17,000 French volunteers fighting on the American side which helped turned the tide of the war that culminated with the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.
Washington looked upon the young Frenchman a son, and their relationship lasted until the President’s death.
Lafayette died in 1834, and he is buried in Paris at the Cimetiere de Picpus, where an American flag has stood watch over his grave since 1917.
It was amazingly undisturbed during WW II, and the flag is changed every year in an elaborate and solemn ceremony held quite appropriately on the Fourth of July.
This pre-Thanksgiving weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on the greatness of our country, and our unbreakable friendship with France.
And instead of arguing over wins and losses, let’s watch the games with a smile of democracy, which really angers the psychopathic butchers who refer to themselves as; ISIS.
No.9 Michigan State at No.2 Ohio State (Ch.5, 3:30 p.m.) Both of these teams would have stumped the “To Tell the Truth,” panel, as neither has sniffed its preseason expectations of dominance.
In East Lansing, the Sons of Bubba Smith are commanded by its senior field general QB Connor Cook (21 TDs-4 INTs-56% – shoulder expected to play) who operates with the same calming presence of French President Francois Hollande.
The quiet man is assisted by a trio of receivers; Aaron Burbridge, R.J. Shelton and Macgarrett Kings who have combined for; 131 receptions and 14 TDs.
But Sparty’s principle earth movers, L.J. Scott and Madre London have been as inspiring (92nd overall) as Barak Obama trying to rally the country.
On D, the descendants of Herb Adderley is sprinkled with star power; anchored by All-America end Shilique Calhoun (11 TFLs-8.5 sacks), and fellow backers Riley Bullough, and Darien Harris but remains as vulnerable defending the pass (86th) as a senior citizen is to a phone scam.
The Scarlet and Grey faithful are hoping that the “Rip Van Winkle’s” of Columbus, who are playing its first ranked team, will shake off its season long slumber in time for the Spartans.
The catalyst of the Sons of Eddie George is its All-America tailback, and Heisman candidate, Ezekiel Elliott (142 a game, 16 TDs), the nation’s third ranked rusher, who slices and dices the opposition better than a Veg-O-Matic, and is the key to the Sons of Woody Hayes repeating.
But as the zealots of Archie Griffin are painfully aware, the Bucs passing game, presently under the control of dual-threat QB J.T. Barrett (8 TDs-3 INTs -65%) with assists from wideouts Michael Thomas, and Braxton Miller (who has been mysteriously underutilized), has been about as efficient as the Jeb Bush campaign.
The backbone of the Boys from Columbus is the nation’s second stingiest (13) D.
These descendants of Randy Gradishar led by All-America end Joey Bosa (12 TFLS-3.5 sacks), and backers Raekwon McMillan, and Joshua Perry, sits ninth overall, and has smothered the opposition better than the “Boston Strangler.”
Urban Meyer has won a jaw-dropping 30 in-a-row regular season Big Ten games, make it 31, as Ohio State says “Goodbye Columbus” to the Sons of Duffy Daugherty.
No.10 Baylor at No.4 Oklahoma State (FOX, 7:30 p.m.) The Bears, who score points faster than a right hand from Holly Holm, are clawing to hang on.
The nation’s leading nearly point a minute (54) offense, is now (due to the loss of QB Seth Russell) under the capable control of freshman QB Jarrett Stidham (11 TDs-2 INTs-70%) who is tougher than John Wayne in; “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.”
Luckily the Waco Kid gets a third rail boost from the country’s most dynamic receiver, Corey Coleman, (a 20/20 man; 20 yards a catch, and 20 touchdowns), who leads the nation (136) in yards per game.
The young sharpshooter has a pair of additional dependable targets; K.D. Cannon, and Jay Lee, while starry tailback Shock Linwood (1149 yards – 7.4 yds.-9TDs) is a quiet assassin.
But the weakness, and possibly downfall for the Sons of Walter Abercrombie is a D, featuring backers Grant Campbell, Travon Blanchard, and end Jamal Palmer (11 TFLs -3.5 sacks) that is leaker (72nd) than a coal ash dam in Kentucky.
With apologies to Van Halen the Boys from Boone Pickens U also known as Oklahoma State, must be “Running with the devil” as it has twice survived a pair of 17-point deficits
In Greek Mythology Orthus was a two headed monster.
And that is exactly how the Pokes attack the opposition utilizing a QB pair of; Mason Rudolph (18 TDs-8 INTs – 64 %) and his starry backup J.W. Walsh (10 TDs-0 INTs -78% on only 28 throws) who has also rushed for 10 touchdowns, and would be welcomed as a starter on almost everyone’s roster.
The Stillwater amigos have a three-pack of quality targets; James Washington, David Glidden and Marcell Ateman, who have combined for; 118 receptions and 15 TDs.
The lethargic (94th) ground attack is handled by Chris Carson, and Rennie Childs.
The D of the Sons of Walt Garrison featuring safeties Jordan Sterns, Tre Flowers, and backer Jordan Burton struggles mightily against the pass (80th) which is the wrong recipe against visitors from Waco.
Is this the weekend that the OK State produces a dry well?
“YESSSSSSS,” as Mark Albert is wont to say, as the Bears sneak out with the W, extinguishing the Pokes playoff hopes.
No. 11 TCU at No. 7 Oklahoma (Ch. 5, 8 p.m.) In Forth Worth the Sons of Sammy Baugh are paging Captain “Hawkeye” Pierce, as the Horned Frogs have morphed into a MASH Unit.
Its All-America duo is bruised and battered.
Heisman candidate QB Trevone Boykin (29 TDs-9 INTs-65% ankle) is a game time decision, while his Linus blanket receiver Josh Doctson (wrist), 14 TDs-over 1300 yards, is out for the remainder of the season.
If Boykin is unable to go, or play up to his lofty standards, it will be long day in Norman for the nation’s fifth highest scoring (44) eleven, and the second best passing attack in the land.
And as the faithful are painfully aware, the Frogs, who have won 17 of its last 18, are also hamstrung by a D led by safeties Travin Howard, Derick Kindred, and Denzel Johnson (9 TFLS) who struggle mightily defending the pass which is not a winning recipe against the Sooners.
“Big Game Bob” is back, and the Sons of Bud Wilkerson are on the precipice of slicing its way into the playoff picture.
The key to the turnaround from last year’s disappointing 8-5 season has been the resurrection of the Air-Raid passing attack that Stoops relied upon to win his only national championship – 2000.
The Norman invaders, the country’s third highest (46) scoring squad, is directed by its fearless bombardier, QB Baker Mayfield (31 TDs-5 INTs -70%) who in his last five games has hung numbers (17 TDs-2 INTs-75%) that are gaudier than a New Orleans bordello.
The man who carves a defense better than a master chef on Thanksgiving, has a trio of game breaking targets: led by his All-America caliber wideout Sterling Sharp whose hands are stickier than Elmers.
The Sooners D anchored by its All- America backer Eric Striker (14 TFLs-7.5 sacks), with big assists from backer Dominique Alexander, and end Charles (9 TFLs-6 sacks) Tapper has improved more than the stock price of McDonald’s.
With apologies to Rodgers and Hammerstein, we repeat what we said last week; “It’s Oklahoma O.K.”
Harvard at Yale –The Game – (NBCSN, 2:30 p.m.) In the 132nd edition of this classic a share of the ivy League Title is riding on the outcome for the Sons of Dick Button.
“The Green Bay Packers of the Charles,” better known as Harvard Football have won 8 in a row, and 13 of the last 14 against its arch-rival, and a victory assures the “Veritas Boys” at least a piece of the title.
The twelfth highest scoring (36) eleven is directed by its gritty QB Scott Hosch (18 TDs-5 INTs-61%) who is tougher than a clerk for Alan Dershowitz.
The Ivy marksman is assisted by a trio of targets; wideout Justice Shelton-Mosley, and a pair of rumbling tight ends; Ben Braunecker, and Anthony Firkser, while tailback Paul Stanton (9 TDs) is the Crimson bell cow.
The D of the descendants of Charles Bulfinch is the nation’s third tightest (12), and stones runners behind a trio of backers; Jacob Lindsey, Matt Koran, and Eric Mendes, but has some susceptibility defending the pass.
In New Haven, the Sons of Byron “Whizzer” White would embrace the role of spoilers.
QB Morgan Roberts (9 TDs-10 INTS-57%) directs a Bulldog attack which is weaker (76th scoring) than Martin O’Malley’s name recognition.
The erratic descendant of Brian Dowling is assisted by tailback Deshawn Salter (7 TDs), and a threesome of targets; Christopher Williams-Lopez, Michael Siragusa, and Robert Clemons.
On D, the forbearers of Eli Whitney led by corner Hayden Carlson, safety Matthew Oplinger, and backer Victor Egu slows the run, but is a bottom feeding 104th defending the pass which is not a winning formula against the visitors from Cambridge.
On late Saturday afternoon the full-throated sounds of “10,000 men of Harvard …..” will be heard emanating from the Yale Bowl’s visitors’ locker room.
No.20 Northwestern at No. 21 Wisconsin (BTN, 3:30 p.m.) With apologies to Bon Jovi, it seems like the “smart kids” have been “living on a prayer” all season.
The offense of the Sons of Otto Graham, which sinks to 109th overall, and 111th (21) in scoring, is as anemic as the polling numbers for Lindsey Graham.
The director of this jalopy is dual-threat QB Clayton Thorson (6 TDs-6 INTs – 52%) who, as the faithful are painfully aware, hits his target about as often as a soldier in the Iraqi Army.
When he does connect, wideouts Dan Vitale, and Christian Jones are the principle players, while tailback Justin Jackson (over 1000 yards) is the Cats John Deere mainstay.
But if the offense is a burger at Sullivan’s, the Wildcats D is a filet from Grill 23.
This “prime” time eleven, the nation’s twelfth stingiest (17), is anchored by backer Anthony Walker, safety Godwin Igwebike, and end Dean (12.5 TFLs) Lowry, and is deadlier than a hookup with Charlie Sheen in stopping the run and the pass.
In Madison, the Sons of Alan Ameche have run the ball like Don Ameche.
The Badgers signature ground attack featuring Taiwan Deal, and Dare Ogunbowale (who is also dangerous catching) slinks around as the nation’s 88th best, while Wiscy averages a mediocre 28 points a game. [Its starry earth mover Corey Clement – out most of the season sports hernia- may play.]
Senior QB Joel Stave (10 TDs-8 INTs-61%) is the driver of this gear-slipping bunch, with assists from a pair of solid receivers; Alex Erickson and Rob Wheelwright.
But if the offense needs a rewrite, Wiscy’s D, the country’s stingiest (12), is Broadway worthy.
These marquee makers led by its linebacker trio; Joe Schobert (9 sacks), T.J. Edwards, and Vince Biegel (10.5 TFLs -6 sacks) stones the run and the pass with equal disdain, and is more disruptive than Bernie Sanders at a Tea Party Convention.
We hate to go against the “smart kids” but Bon Jovi is sooo 20th century. As the Mad-Towners love to sing after a victory; “When you say Wissscoonsin, You’ve said it all!!
Last week; 3-2 Season record: 34-21.
That’s it from cyber-space. We’ll be up and running with our recap, Sunday at noon.
Until then, Peace, and listen to the music. PK

Bonjour mes amis! Viva la France!
In light of the attacks in Paris, we begin this week by detouring from the world of football with a nod to France our nation’s oldest ally, with a slice of history, and a tip of the cap to; Marquis de Lafayette.
Born in 1757 the Frenchman of considerable means left France in 1777 and came to America to offer his considerable leadership abilities in the American Revolution.
Not quite 20 years old, he was immediately embraced by General Washington, and not long after, the Congress commissioned him a Major-General.
In fact Lafayette said he considered himself; “a citizen of two worlds.”
With the war still in the balance, the Marquis returned to France in 1779, to successfully argue the righteousness of the American cause.
The following year he returned to America bearing the good news of the French government’s promise of troops, ships, and financial support.
Eventually there would be 17,000 French volunteers fighting on the American side which helped turned the tide of the war that culminated with the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.
Washington looked upon the young Frenchman a son, and their relationship lasted until the President’s death.
Lafayette died in 1834, and he is buried in Paris at the Cimetiere de Picpus, where an American flag has stood watch over his grave since 1917.
It was amazingly undisturbed during WW II, and the flag is changed every year in an elaborate and solemn ceremony held quite appropriately on the Fourth of July.
This pre-Thanksgiving weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on the greatness of our country, and our unbreakable friendship with France.
And instead of arguing over wins and losses, let’s watch the games with a smile of democracy, which really angers the psychopathic butchers who refer to themselves as; ISIS.
No.9 Michigan State at No.2 Ohio State (Ch.5, 3:30 p.m.) Both of these teams would have stumped the “To Tell the Truth,” panel, as neither has sniffed its preseason expectations of dominance.
In East Lansing, the Sons of Bubba Smith are commanded by its senior field general QB Connor Cook (21 TDs-4 INTs-56% – shoulder expected to play) who operates with the same calming presence of French President Francois Hollande.
The quiet man is assisted by a trio of receivers; Aaron Burbridge, R.J. Shelton and Macgarrett Kings who have combined for; 131 receptions and 14 TDs.
But Sparty’s principle earth movers, L.J. Scott and Madre London have been as inspiring (92nd overall) as Barak Obama trying to rally the country.
On D, the descendants of Herb Adderley is sprinkled with star power; anchored by All-America end Shilique Calhoun (11 TFLs-8.5 sacks), and fellow backers Riley Bullough, and Darien Harris but remains as vulnerable defending the pass (86th) as a senior citizen is to a phone scam.
The Scarlet and Grey faithful are hoping that the “Rip Van Winkle’s” of Columbus, who are playing its first ranked team, will shake off its season long slumber in time for the Spartans.
The catalyst of the Sons of Eddie George is its All-America tailback, and Heisman candidate, Ezekiel Elliott (142 a game, 16 TDs), the nation’s third ranked rusher, who slices and dices the opposition better than a Veg-O-Matic, and is the key to the Sons of Woody Hayes repeating.
But as the zealots of Archie Griffin are painfully aware, the Bucs passing game, presently under the control of dual-threat QB J.T. Barrett (8 TDs-3 INTs -65%) with assists from wideouts Michael Thomas, and Braxton Miller (who has been mysteriously underutilized), has been about as efficient as the Jeb Bush campaign.
The backbone of the Boys from Columbus is the nation’s second stingiest (13) D.
These descendants of Randy Gradishar led by All-America end Joey Bosa (12 TFLS-3.5 sacks), and backers Raekwon McMillan, and Joshua Perry, sits ninth overall, and has smothered the opposition better than the “Boston Strangler.”
Urban Meyer has won a jaw-dropping 30 in-a-row regular season Big Ten games, make it 31, as Ohio State says “Goodbye Columbus” to the Sons of Duffy Daugherty.
No.10 Baylor at No.4 Oklahoma State (FOX, 7:30 p.m.) The Bears, who score points faster than a right hand from Holly Holm, are clawing to hang on.
The nation’s leading nearly point a minute (54) offense, is now (due to the loss of QB Seth Russell) under the capable control of freshman QB Jarrett Stidham (11 TDs-2 INTs-70%) who is tougher than John Wayne in; “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.”
Luckily the Waco Kid gets a third rail boost from the country’s most dynamic receiver, Corey Coleman, (a 20/20 man; 20 yards a catch, and 20 touchdowns), who leads the nation (136) in yards per game.
The young sharpshooter has a pair of additional dependable targets; K.D. Cannon, and Jay Lee, while starry tailback Shock Linwood (1149 yards – 7.4 yds.-9TDs) is a quiet assassin.
But the weakness, and possibly downfall for the Sons of Walter Abercrombie is a D, featuring backers Grant Campbell, Travon Blanchard, and end Jamal Palmer (11 TFLs -3.5 sacks) that is leaker (72nd) than a coal ash dam in Kentucky.
With apologies to Van Halen the Boys from Boone Pickens U also known as Oklahoma State, must be “Running with the devil” as it has twice survived a pair of 17-point deficits
In Greek Mythology Orthus was a two headed monster.
And that is exactly how the Pokes attack the opposition utilizing a QB pair of; Mason Rudolph (18 TDs-8 INTs – 64 %) and his starry backup J.W. Walsh (10 TDs-0 INTs -78% on only 28 throws) who has also rushed for 10 touchdowns, and would be welcomed as a starter on almost everyone’s roster.
The Stillwater amigos have a three-pack of quality targets; James Washington, David Glidden and Marcell Ateman, who have combined for; 118 receptions and 15 TDs.
The lethargic (94th) ground attack is handled by Chris Carson, and Rennie Childs.
The D of the Sons of Walt Garrison featuring safeties Jordan Sterns, Tre Flowers, and backer Jordan Burton struggles mightily against the pass (80th) which is the wrong recipe against visitors from Waco.
Is this the weekend that the OK State produces a dry well?
“YESSSSSSS,” as Mark Albert is wont to say, as the Bears sneak out with the W, extinguishing the Pokes playoff hopes.
No. 11 TCU at No. 7 Oklahoma (Ch. 5, 8 p.m.) In Forth Worth the Sons of Sammy Baugh are paging Captain “Hawkeye” Pierce, as the Horned Frogs have morphed into a MASH Unit.
Its All-America duo is bruised and battered.
Heisman candidate QB Trevone Boykin (29 TDs-9 INTs-65% ankle) is a game time decision, while his Linus blanket receiver Josh Doctson (wrist), 14 TDs-over 1300 yards, is out for the remainder of the season.
If Boykin is unable to go, or play up to his lofty standards, it will be long day in Norman for the nation’s fifth highest scoring (44) eleven, and the second best passing attack in the land.
And as the faithful are painfully aware, the Frogs, who have won 17 of its last 18, are also hamstrung by a D led by safeties Travin Howard, Derick Kindred, and Denzel Johnson (9 TFLS) who struggle mightily defending the pass which is not a winning recipe against the Sooners.
“Big Game Bob” is back, and the Sons of Bud Wilkerson are on the precipice of slicing its way into the playoff picture.
The key to the turnaround from last year’s disappointing 8-5 season has been the resurrection of the Air-Raid passing attack that Stoops relied upon to win his only national championship – 2000.
The Norman invaders, the country’s third highest (46) scoring squad, is directed by its fearless bombardier, QB Baker Mayfield (31 TDs-5 INTs -70%) who in his last five games has hung numbers (17 TDs-2 INTs-75%) that are gaudier than a New Orleans bordello.
The man who carves a defense better than a master chef on Thanksgiving, has a trio of game breaking targets: led by his All-America caliber wideout Sterling Sharp whose hands are stickier than Elmers.
The Sooners D anchored by its All- America backer Eric Striker (14 TFLs-7.5 sacks), with big assists from backer Dominique Alexander, and end Charles (9 TFLs-6 sacks) Tapper has improved more than the stock price of McDonald’s.
With apologies to Rodgers and Hammerstein, we repeat what we said last week; “It’s Oklahoma O.K.”
Harvard at Yale –The Game – (NBCSN, 2:30 p.m.) In the 132nd edition of this classic a share of the ivy League Title is riding on the outcome for the Sons of Dick Button.
“The Green Bay Packers of the Charles,” better known as Harvard Football have won 8 in a row, and 13 of the last 14 against its arch-rival, and a victory assures the “Veritas Boys” at least a piece of the title.
The twelfth highest scoring (36) eleven is directed by its gritty QB Scott Hosch (18 TDs-5 INTs-61%) who is tougher than a clerk for Alan Dershowitz.
The Ivy marksman is assisted by a trio of targets; wideout Justice Shelton-Mosley, and a pair of rumbling tight ends; Ben Braunecker, and Anthony Firkser, while tailback Paul Stanton (9 TDs) is the Crimson bell cow.
The D of the descendants of Charles Bulfinch is the nation’s third tightest (12), and stones runners behind a trio of backers; Jacob Lindsey, Matt Koran, and Eric Mendes, but has some susceptibility defending the pass.
In New Haven, the Sons of Byron “Whizzer” White would embrace the role of spoilers.
QB Morgan Roberts (9 TDs-10 INTS-57%) directs a Bulldog attack which is weaker (76th scoring) than Martin O’Malley’s name recognition.
The erratic descendant of Brian Dowling is assisted by tailback Deshawn Salter (7 TDs), and a threesome of targets; Christopher Williams-Lopez, Michael Siragusa, and Robert Clemons.
On D, the forbearers of Eli Whitney led by corner Hayden Carlson, safety Matthew Oplinger, and backer Victor Egu slows the run, but is a bottom feeding 104th defending the pass which is not a winning formula against the visitors from Cambridge.
On late Saturday afternoon the full-throated sounds of “10,000 men of Harvard …..” will be heard emanating from the Yale Bowl’s visitors’ locker room.
No.20 Northwestern at No. 21 Wisconsin (BTN, 3:30 p.m.) With apologies to Bon Jovi, it seems like the “smart kids” have been “living on a prayer” all season.
The offense of the Sons of Otto Graham, which sinks to 109th overall, and 111th (21) in scoring, is as anemic as the polling numbers for Lindsey Graham.
The director of this jalopy is dual-threat QB Clayton Thorson (6 TDs-6 INTs – 52%) who, as the faithful are painfully aware, hits his target about as often as a soldier in the Iraqi Army.
When he does connect, wideouts Dan Vitale, and Christian Jones are the principle players, while tailback Justin Jackson (over 1000 yards) is the Cats John Deere mainstay.
But if the offense is a burger at Sullivan’s, the Wildcats D is a filet from Grill 23.
This “prime” time eleven, the nation’s twelfth stingiest (17), is anchored by backer Anthony Walker, safety Godwin Igwebike, and end Dean (12.5 TFLs) Lowry, and is deadlier than a hookup with Charlie Sheen in stopping the run and the pass.
In Madison, the Sons of Alan Ameche have run the ball like Don Ameche.
The Badgers signature ground attack featuring Taiwan Deal, and Dare Ogunbowale (who is also dangerous catching) slinks around as the nation’s 88th best, while Wiscy averages a mediocre 28 points a game. [Its starry earth mover Corey Clement – out most of the season sports hernia- may play.]
Senior QB Joel Stave (10 TDs-8 INTs-61%) is the driver of this gear-slipping bunch, with assists from a pair of solid receivers; Alex Erickson and Rob Wheelwright.
But if the offense needs a rewrite, Wiscy’s D, the country’s stingiest (12), is Broadway worthy.
These marquee makers led by its linebacker trio; Joe Schobert (9 sacks), T.J. Edwards, and Vince Biegel (10.5 TFLs -6 sacks) stones the run and the pass with equal disdain, and is more disruptive than Bernie Sanders at a Tea Party Convention.
We hate to go against the “smart kids” but Bon Jovi is sooo 20th century. As the Mad-Towners love to sing after a victory; “When you say Wissscoonsin, You’ve said it all!!
Last week; 3-2 Season record: 34-21.
That’s it from cyber-space. We’ll be up and running with our recap, Sunday at noon.
Until then, Peace, and listen to the music. PK

We’ll begin with “Green Bay Packer of the Charles,” better known as Harvard football.

As Geoffrey Chaucer once wrote: “All good things must come to an end.”

The Sons of JFK in the swirling winds of the stadium lost a football game for the first time in over two years, a 35-25 loss to Penn, and saw its remarkable 22-game winning streak came to a crashing end.

Despite the disappointment, if the Crimson defeats it arch-enemy Yale next week, and depending what happens in the Dartmouth, and Penn games, the “Veritas Boys” will at the minimum, share a piece of the Ivy League crown.

In Norman, “Big Game Bob” is back!!

The Sooners marched into Waco, where Baylor had run off an impressive streak of 20-in-a-row, and led by its stellar gunslinger Baker Mayfield, walked out of McLane Stadium with an impressive; 44-34 victory.

The invaders from Norman have elbowed its way into the forefront of the playoff conversation, and except for in inexplicable fur-ball against Texas, would be near the top of the heap, with a pair of season changing games looming in the next two weeks.

At Syracuse there was a statue unveiling of its famous 44’s: Jim Brown, Floyd Little, and Ernie Davis, and the spirt of its legends nearly catapulted the Orangemen into the upset of the year before it fell to top ranked; Clemson; 37-27.

And in a bit of irony; Tigers coach Dabo Swinney named his long snapper Jim Brown captain for this game in tribute to the Syracuse icon, which got quite a scare from the overmatched Orange.

In Iowa City there were a pair of firsts.

The Hawkeyes played under the lights for the first time in the month of November, but more importantly, find themselves 10-0 for the first time ever as it captured the Floyd of Rosedale trophy by defeating a feisty bunch of Gophers; 40-35.

Good for them, and good for good guy coach Kirk Ferentz.

In Annapolis it’s; “Anchors Aweigh.”

The Midshipmen (8-1) of Navy celebrated as its Houdini-like QB Keenan Reynolds ran for four-touchdowns (81) eclipsing the FBS career rushing touchdown record of Montee Ball. WOW!!

In a very cool gesture, coach Ken Niumatalolo made sure the record setting 79th TD ball was presented to Reynold’s dad.

Nice going coach on two fronts; continuing to climb up the polls, but more importantly, keeping things in perspective. Good for the “smart kids.”

It would be interesting to see what the Navy coach could do with a higher profile program.

Speaking of coaching, how about the job Bob Davie is doing at New Mexico!

His Lobos (6-4), in arguably its biggest win in program history, went into the “blue-turfers” of Boise as a 30-point underdog, and waltzed out of Albertson’s Stadium with a stunning 31-14 victory. AMAZING!!

Picked for the cellar, if the Lobos could win out, it would win its division of the Mountain West.

Good for another good guy, Bob Davie, who by the way, should have been patrolling the sidelines of BC but that’s a story for another day!!

Out in the Pacific, taps is blowing for the Pac-12 conference.

And in South Bend, the mood is sullen around “Touchdown Jesus.”

With Stanford’s loss to Oregon, and Utah’s loss to Arizona, the conference will not be receiving a New Year’s invite from the playoff selection committee. YIKES!!

And tangentially, the loss by the Sons of Jim Plunkett also hurts, if not crushes the Irish chances of moving into the top four. Double Ouch!!!

On the local front Mark Whipple’s “Belles of Amherst” aka the UMass Minutemen (2-8) snapped its five-game losing streak knocking off the woeful (1-10) Eagles of Eastern Michigan; 28-17.

On the teammates front; Buddy Teevens and his Big Green of Dartmouth pounced on seven turnovers and pounded the Bears of Brown; 34-18.

But it was the news of the Harvard’s stunning loss that sent the Big Green into a frenzy.

If Dartmouth takes care of Princeton next week in Hanover, it will share a piece of the Ivy League Title for the first time since Bill Clinton was chasing Barbara Streisand around the White House Steinway – 1996.

Speaking of the others; it’s more of the same in Austin, as the Horns (4-6) turned it over 5-times falling to West Virginia; 38-20.

How far has Texas (who somehow beat Oklahoma) fallen?

Well it must win out against Texas Tech at home, and Baylor on the road to sneak into bowl eligibility!! “We still have a chance,” said Horns coach Charlie Strong. Really, at Texas??!! DOUBLE YIKES!!

Where is Colt McCoy when you need him??!! Or for that matter Mack Brown.

For most of the game it was; “Houston, we have a problem!”

Down 20-points in the fourth quarter, with backup quarterback Kyle Postma forced into duty, it appeared that the Cougars dream of an undefeated season was as over as Charles Yancey.

But coach Tom Herman‘s Boys (he’s on everyone’s short list) miraculously stormed all the way back scoring the go ahead points on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 1:27 left.

It then watched helplessly as Memphis marched down and lined up for a 48-yard winning field goal only to see it sail wide right from the improbable victory. Good for the Cougars!

Maybe the Boys from Austin should take notice. YIKES!!

There is a beast residing in Chapel Hill as Larry Fedora’s Tar Heels, who crushed the Canes 59-21, have won nine in a row.

Trust us, if it captures the ACC East, Clemson does not relish the prospect of playing the Heels for the ACC Title. And Fedora’s name will continue to surface for some higher profile jobs.

“Woo Pig Sooie!”

In Fayetteville, The Razorbacks have won four-in-a row, and five of its last six, this time impressively knocking off LSU: 31-14, while in Kansas City, it was win one for Gary (Pinkel) as Missouri defeated BYU 20-17. After the victory the coach danced on the middle of the field to the GP chants of his surrounding players. Good for him.

As always we finish with the gasbags of gasbags our “Star-Kist” friend Charlie Weis, and the Kansas Jayhawks, the last program he fixed. KU, a 45 point dog put up a good fight against the Horned Frogs of TCU but couldn’t close the deal, ultimately falling: 23-17.

KU remains winless (0-10), and is one of the nation’s worst elevens in the nation. Sorry Charlie!!

That’s it from cyber-space. We’ll be up and running with our analysis of week 12 Wednesday night. Until then, Peace and listen to the music. PK